What is the Queer Mystery in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery?'

(Warning: This article contains spoilers for "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.")

Daniel Craig might best be known for playing the blonde James Bond in five films over 15 years, but his more recent work as Detective Benoit Blanc seems to be his crowning achievement. Starting with Rian Johnson's "Knives Out" in 2019, then reprising the role in this year's "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery," Craig is masterful as the world's greatest detective. A take on Agatha Christie's depiction of Hercule Poirot, Benoit Blanc is the Americanized version of a man who happens to be at the wrong place at the right time...every time.

"Glass Onion" serves as a new case for Benoit Blanc, and just like an onion in real life, there are many layers to this standalone sequel. There are revelations about the killer's motive, of course, but there's also a bit of intrigue with the lead characters, bringing about a little more information on Blanc himself. With queer representation at a seemingly all-time high in major studio productions as of late, writer and director Rian Johnson takes a big swing at making sure his audience knows exactly where he stands on respecting that representation on screen and off.

In "Knives Out," the character of Benoit Blanc is a super sleuth, never trusting anyone he might suspect to be the killer. The audience is introduced to him through Craig's sophisticated flamboyance, and he keeps that trend going in "Glass Onion." However, not much had previously been divulged about the character's personal life other than his affinity for being a cigar-smoking, relentless Southern charmer with the drawl to prove it. But even though he's in a scene to analyze and ultimately catch the conscience of the killer, Benoit Blanc is a gentleman through and through.

That all changes with "Glass Onion," as viewers are welcomed to more of Blanc's inner circle. Because the story is presented during the 2020 COVID lockdown, Rian Johnson has a bit of fun with the character through his intricate script and incredible direction. There are cameos galore, including two heavyweights of the entertainment industry that are no longer with us. But the cameo that most everyone will be talking about occurs halfway through the movie, as actor Hugh Grant steps onto the Benoit Blanc stage.

In "Glass Onion," we realize that Benoit Blanc is gay and lives with Hugh Grant's character, Phillip. Early in the film, Phillip's voice is heard across their luxurious apartment as Blanc takes a bath while playing one of the many Zoom games with friends that we all attempted during the pandemic. However, Phillip's big reveal later in the movie literally opens the door to Benoit Blanc, the man. Rather than the detective trope he's so closely associated with, Johnson makes sure to point out how Blanc is comfortable in his own skin as a queer man.

Dressing dapper as all get out in "Knives Out," Benoit Blanc adapts a more vacation look in "Glass Onion," ascot and all. The revelation that he is part of the LGBTQ+ community is brief, but done so well that it strikes a chord for pride in knowing that the world's greatest detective can be represented in such a manner. The Grant cameo begs for more time with Benoit and Phillip, which will hopefully materialize in future installments of the growing franchise.

For all of the valid reasons that viewers want to watch more of Benoit Blanc's charisma on screen and flock to watch "Glass Onion," it should be noted that Janelle Monáe ends up taking the movie and running with it. A standout performer in a talented ensemble, the singer and actor publicly discussed their openness with being non-binary in real life in April 2022 saying, "I'm nonbinary, so I just don't see myself as a woman, solely ...." They later said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times (behind a paywall) that their "pronouns are free-ass motherfucker – and they/them, her/she."

Rian Johnson does Janelle Monáe's character a wonderful courtesy by not presenting their romantic entanglements, unlike other characters in the film. This is done deliberately to conceal some details of the murder mystery itself, but it defines the character nonetheless. Monáe's character is one of the most complex we've seen on film in a long time, and the actor should receive recognition for their achievements. The attention to detail that makes Monáe's character and Benoit Blanc partners-in-crime is delivered exquisitely.

Netflix reportedly paid in the hundreds of millions to have the rights to distribute "Glass Onion" and a third "Knives Out" film, which might prove to be a worthwhile investment for the streamer in the long run. "Glass Onion" recently had a limited theatrical release and will begin streaming on Netflix later this month. The highly anticipated film might break records for streaming views on Netflix, and it shouldn't be downplayed how much that will mean for queer expression on film. One of the biggest blockbusters released in 2022 has the lead character depicted as a proud gay man, while his leading counterpart identifies as non-binary offscreen. It is a significant step forward for representation at a time when many feel it's needed now more than ever.

Watch the trailer to "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery."